Stories
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Member Spotlight - Mickie Powers SOUTH AUSTIN ROTARY is all about service, community and family! Meet Mickie Powers: She is a remarkable woman who has made a significant impact in Austin, Texas. She’s not your typical superhero from movies or books; instead, she’s a real-life hero with the power to change lives. Mickie Powers is a retired middle school teacher science teacher and a cancer survivor. Powers helps residents with various needs, including job hunting, resume assistance, bus passes, and food.
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August Member Spotlight - Patty Hoyt August Member Spotlight is Patty Hoyt! South Austin Rotary is all about service, community and family! Meet Patty: My husband, Jim, and I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area of California for 40 years. Upon retirement in 2021, we hopped in our pickup truck and took off on a road trip that would take us through thirty states! It was a wonderful adventure, one we hope to continue and visit the remaining 20 states.
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Celebration of Life - Steve Batlin
Celebration of Life for Steve will be held at St. Albans Episcopal Church on Saturday, August 17th, followed by a reception in Steve’s home. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to South Austin Rotary, ear marked for Mickie’s Soup Kitchen, address is South Austin Rotary Club, c/o Jim McComb, 2507 Braemar Cove, Austin, Texas 78747. To donate online, use Venmo and search for South Austin Rotary under businesses. This was a very special place for Steve where he valued each moment as he served the needy and homeless. Through your donation, he will be able to continue to do so.
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EarlyAct FirstKnight Stage Set Prop Build  South Austin Rotary Club with some help from the Austin-Southwest Rotary Club built a castle stage set for Eden Park Academy located in south Austin. Designing, purchasing materials and constructing theater flats were all done ahead of time and on Thursday, July 18th the two clubs came together at the school and made the dreams a reality.
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Little Library Ready For Summer! Just in time for summer, the mini-library at Sunset Valley Elementary is now brimming with new reads, ready to inspire and entertain students throughout the season. A big thank you to Simon Garza's neighbor who donated the books. Simon and Patty went out this past week to stock up the library.
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Bench Installation at Gaga Pit  On Friday, we put the final touched for service project at Sunset Valley Elementary. Jim, Lisa, Rick, Satch and daughter, Keira assembled and installed two six foot benches and signage at the Gaga Pit. |
In Memory of Dr. Erica Garza Erica was also a much-loved and very active member of the South Austin Rotary Club. She lived by the motto “Service Above Self”. She held multiple positions including club secretary, club treasurer, vice-president, and president. She received multiple awards including South Austin Rotarian of the Year, Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International Group Study Exchange Student Sponsor, and Rotary Roll of Fame award. Erica was absolutely a proud and respected Rotarian. Her biggest accomplishment while in the Rotary Club was meeting the love of her life Landon Keith Spillmann. After they were introduced at a Rotary meeting, they immediately began dating and became inseparable. They married on April 26, 2014, at Lost Pines in Bastrop, Texas. It was a beautiful ceremony with all her family and friends there to share in her special day. Erica and Landon enjoyed 10 beautiful years together.
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South Austin and Austin Southwest Rotary Join Forces Members from our Club and RC of Austin-Southwest worked together this week to spruce up our meeting room. It was a great of service, friendship and fellowship!
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South Austin Constructs Gaga Pit for Sunset Elementary  DAP Grant project was a huge success! 11 members participated plus 4 guests and lots of Girl Scouts from Troop 1984 and their parents! Rotary Club of South Austin teamed up with Girl Scout Troop 1984 and Sunset Elementary School to build something truly special for the kids: a brand new Gaga Pit! We're thrilled to provide this fun and active space for students to enjoy recess and build friendships. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this project a reality! Together, we're making a positive impact in our community.
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March Madness Fundraiser It is time for March Madness! We are doing a NCAA Men's basketball pool this year as a fundraiser. Cost to enter is $25 for each entry and you may enter more than once. 50% of entry fees will be kept by our club as a fundraiser. The remaining 50% will be divided out between the 1st and 2nd place winners. The amount awarded to winners will be determined once we know how many entries we have. |
Welcome New Rotarian - Patty Hoyt We are proud to introduce NEW ROTARIAN, Patty Hoyt! Her classification is Retired Community Organizer. WELCOME Patty!
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Packing Meals for Our Neighbors In Need Clare, Shirley, Mickie, Satch, and Scott worked the Central Texas Food Bank workday this week and they reported that it was a lot of fun! They bagged over 7000 pounds of fresh vegetables (sweet potatoes, beets and parsnips)! Impact of this service project: The group packed 510 boxes of food which will provide 5,994 meals for our neighbors in need.
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Volunteers Wanted - January 30th Food Bank Service Project on Jan 30th 6 to 8:30PM. We are trying to fill 6 spots! Each member of our group is required to create an account and sign up into your group reservation before arriving for your volunteer shift. They can do this easily through your group’s unique link here: http://southaustinrotaryclub.cafb.volunteerhub.com/.
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South Austin Rotary Club Takes Action: Empowering Men Through November Clothing Drive In a powerful display of community support, the South Austin Rotary Club orchestrated a dynamic clothing drive throughout the entire month of November. The mission? To rally behind the Men's Clothes Closet, a vital ministry of the United Methodist Men of Austin.
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Happy Holidays from South Austin Rotary May this festive season bring warmth to your hearts and create cherished memories with your loved ones. Here's to spreading love and happiness. Merry Christmas! See our holiday photos.
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Member Spotlight - Erica Garza Member Spotlight for May is Dr. Erica Garza, Medical Director, VCA Ben White Animal Hospital. Erica Garza has been with VCA since 2003. She grew up on a farm in Marion, TX and obtained her undergraduate degrees of Biology and Chemistry from Southwest Texas State University (nka Texas State University). Her DVM was obtained at Texas A&M University. She interned in Los Angeles, California (home of the stars!) with a focus on internal medicine and cardiology.
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South Austin Rotary Fights Hunger!  South Austin Rotary Club along with the Austin Westlake Rotary Club worked at the Central Texas Food Bank today making up ten pound bags of fresh vegetables...carrots, sweet potatoes and russet potatoes to help feed our neighbors. In addition to helping provide over 3,000 meals to those in need, a good time was had by all!
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Rotary Night at the Ballpark Our members attended the District social - Rotary Night at the Ballpark at the Dell Diamond field. Lots of fun and fellowship and our team won!
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South Austin Rotary Teams Up with Doodle Dandy Rescue In a heartwarming display of community spirit and dedication to a noble cause, members of the South Austin Rotary Club recently joined forces with Doodle Dandy Rescue, an organization committed to rescuing and rehoming doodles and other deserving dogs. Together, we organized a fundraiser that not only raised funds but also created a ripple of goodwill within the community.
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Member Spotlight - Scott Thomas February Member Spotlight is Scott Thomas. South Austin Rotary is all about service, community and family! Meet Scott Thomas: I am from Lockhart, TX. I have been in Austin TX off and on since 2002. I worked for a short time in Fredericksburg TX at my uncle’s Vineyard. I decided I wanted to go to college. I graduated from TX State in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in management.
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Check Donation to Galindo Elementary to Support Literacy Rick Collins, SARC President, presented principal Romero with a $1000 check from the club. The funds will be used to support the school’s library and literacy program. |
Membership Spotlight - Patti Harrison South Austin Rotary is all about service, community and family! Meet Patti Harrison: I was born in Mt.Clemens Michigan. I moved to Rome NY at age two and Austin at age 10.I was married to Charlie for 47 years. He passed away summer if 2019. I have two sons , Brandon and Patrick. I am a retired teacher. Sophie and Tex are my two rescue dogs. I enjoy swimming ,taking walks with my dogs and college football.
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Member Spotlight - Chandler Lawn South Austin Rotary is all about service, community and family! Meet member Chandler Lawn: Current UT Law Student, Past member of Google's legal team, and Fulbright Spain grantee. Chandler attends University of Texas School of Law. She is preparing for a career in Intellectual Property Law. Lifelong teacher and Student. |
South Austin Rotary - Through the YearsRotary Club of South Austin photo memories of past members, fundraisers and service projects. The Club charted on February 1958. We are 65 years strong! |
Member Spotlight - Jeff Christner September Member Spotlight is Jeff Christner! SOUTH AUSTIN ROTARY is all about service, community and family! Meet Jeff Christner: I was born in the panhandle city of Canadian, Texas on Christmas Eve. Grew up in the panhandle near our family ranch. Graduated from U.T. Austin in 1984. Began my banking career in 1987 in Galveston. I have been in my current position with ABC Bank since 2001. I've been married to my wife, Milli for 37 years. We have two daughters, Emily and Chesney. We currently live in central Austin.
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Installation of Free Lending Library & Rotary Bench  May 6th installation of the Free Lending Library and Rotary bench at Sunset Valley Elementary School located near Tony Berger Center. We also planted a tree. It looks great! Thanks to Satch, Jim, Simon, Lisa, Mickie and Shirley. This project is now complete except for filling the library with books, so…you guessed it. Next project - collecting books for the library!
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Member Spotlight - Rachel El Shamy Membership Spotlight for July is Rachel El Shamy! SOUTH AUSTIN ROTARY is all about service, community and family! Meet Rachel El Shamy: Rachel is an active citizen of the local community and is involved with helping out at South Austin Rotary Club, Foster Village, Keep Austin Beautiful, and Community First Village. Rachel enjoys traveling and adventure in her downtime. |
Finishing Touches for Mainspring Schools Project This past Saturday. members completed the last phase for the Mainspring Schools Project adding shingles to the two toy sheds that we built this past fall. Shout out to - Jim McComb, Simon Garza, Lisa Killough, Laura Quilici and Shirley Diepenbrock for all your hardwork!
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March Madness Fundraiser March Madness is here! Please help support our South Austin Rotary Club by joining our March Madness Pool. $25 play. Winner gets 25% of the pot and 75% goes back to South Austin Rotary Club so they can continue to support the Austin community with their "Service Above Self." Click to Join.
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Ramp Build Project On March 4th, our members joined the Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest and the Texas Ramp Project Austin to build a much needed wheelchair ramp for a family in need. It was a awesome day to be a Rotarian! #ServeToChangeLives
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March Virtual Blood Drive How do I donate blood? You must make an appointment. Either use the website weareblood.org or call 512-206-1266. They will need to collect your contact information. If you go through the website, they will ask you to set up a username and password. Then just follow the instructions they give you. Be sure you use our SARC group code of D867, and confirm this when you get to the appointment. Where should I go? We Are Blood has four locations around town. For our South Austin Club members, the most convenient location will likely be the South Austin location at 3100 W. Slaughter Lane. Questions - Contact Laura Quilici at lmquilici@gmail.com or 512-567-6472 |
Member Spotlight - Jim McComb January Member Spotlight: Jim McComb. SOUTH AUSTIN ROTARY is all about service, community and family! Meet our Club Treasurer, Jim McComb: Retired commercial general contractor, first joined Rotary in1978, St Charles Mo. work transfer to Austin in 1984 & joined South Austin Rotary. Business travel kept me from making meetings so I transferred to Austin down town. |
Member Spotlight - Rick Collins March Member Spotlight, Club President Rick Collins. South Austin Rotary is all about service, community and family! Meet Rick: For a long time, I had thought about getting involved in Rotary. I attended a Toastmasters/Rotary combined session to explore mutual interests - and the Rotary representatives “had me from Hello”. I joined the South Austin Rotary Club in January 2022. It’s a great way to serve with a great group of people in a great organization!
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Volunteers Wanted for Ramp Build Volunteers are wanted for a Ramp Build Project with Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest in March. We will know closer to the date what the location is for the ramp build. To sign-up, contact Jenny Turney.
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Member Spotlight - Shirley Dipenbrock Member Spotlight for December is Shirley Moyer Diepenbrock. Meet Shirley, "After retiring, I began searching for a way to meet other professionals of integrity who enjoy doing community service when a good friend invited me to the South Austin Rotary club. I joined in January of 2022 and I'm making friends and having fun...it’s just what I was looking for!"
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Member Spotlight - Jenny Turney April Member Spotlight is Jenny Turney. SOUTH AUSTIN ROTARY is all about service, community and family! Meet member Jenny Montgomery Turney - #Rotarian for 4 years, passionate about volunteering and making an impact in the community and a Duck Fan! |
Merry Christmas from South Austin Rotary Wishing all a very Merry Christmas from our family to yours! May the joys of the season fill your hearts with Goodwill and Cheer!
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Santa Elves at South Austin Satch, Jenny, Shirley and Patrick did the Foster Angels gift wrapping on Tue, 12/6. They were very organized and it was fun! Our club sponsored Sammy and he got everything he asked for on his Christmas Wish List. Thank you SARC for your generosity. A total of $1000 in gifts and cash was donated and we had enough left over for a $300 check to Foster Angels. |
Granting Wishes of Toy Sheds for Mainspring School It all started with a Wish List. Jim McComb noticed that Mainspring Schools had two toy sheds on their Wish List last year. He made a visit to the school and saw the very old, quite small, worn out storage sheds on their playground and said to himself, “This would make a good Rotary project!”. |
Mobile Loaves & Fishes Donation Club President Satch Nanda presented $1500 check to Anna Claire from Mobile Loaves & Fishes.
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Clothes Closet - Service Project South Austin members gathered this past Saturday to help orgnaize the "Clothes Closet" a non-profit run by member Mickie Powers. The Clothes Closet serves folks in a 170 bed transitional housing facility who are trying to start their lives over. The Clothes Closet had tons of clothes that needed to be rewashed and made ready to be hung up.
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Volunteers Needed for July 16th Date: Saturday, July 16th from 8:30 – 10:30 to help straighten out the clothes closet at Mickie’s Soup Kitchen Address: 2101 E. Ben White (one door west of Pint House Pizza) SE Corner of Woodward and Ben White Contact Jenny Turney or Laura |
Simon Garza Receives Cliff Dochterman Award Congratulations to Simon Garza who was awarded the Cliff Dochterman Award for his outstanding service to the Scouts and Rotary over the years!
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Rotarians at Work! Shout out to Rotarians: Satch, Rick and Shirley for their hardwork building our Mini Library. Thank you for your service!
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Fighting Hunger in South Austin  Seven Rotations from two clubs … South Austin and Westlake … worked for three hours sorting and inspecting donated food prior to distribution to those in need. 2500 pounds were processed which equates to >3,000 meals. A cash donation from Rotary District 5870 was also made which will provide for another 15,000+ meals. |
Fighting Hunger Around The World  This past Saturday, South Austin Rotary hosted a Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event at the Oakhills Methodist Church. Volunteers from the church and the community joined South Austin Rotary to pack 15,000 in under 2 hours! GREAT JOB EVERYONE!
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Remarkable Woman Mickie Powers helps humans and animals down on their luck
Our own Mickie Powers is a finalist on the KXAN News most remarkable Women in Texas. Check out her interview: With a name like Mickie Powers, you’d think she’s a superhero. You’re right — but she’s not the kind of superhero who lives in the imagination, movies or books. She’s the kind of superhero who lives in Austin with a very real power of changing lives. “I enjoy the shine in someone’s eyes when they say ‘I got a job,'” she said. “It’s just real important for me to see that and help people out.” Powers is a retired middle school science teacher, cancer survivor and now the volunteer director at Common Ground ATX, a 170-bed facility in south Austin that houses people off the streets, out of jail or out of luck. “Some of them are job hunting. I might help them with a resume, bus passes, getting them food that they need and that sort of thing,” Powers said. |
Rise Against Hunger Packing Event Come join us on April 23, 2022 at 9AM-1PM for the RISE AGAINST HUNGER PACKING EVENT! The event will be held at the Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 7815 US-290. Help us feed the hungry! Click to Volunteer. Rise Against Hunger is growing a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives and responding to emergencies.
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South Austin Rotary BUILDS for Local Families
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Congratulations Lisa! Congratulations to Lisa Killough who was recognized as a Major Donor at the District Foundation Gala.
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Serving Up Holiday Meals South Austin Rotary supports a soup kitchen at a 170 bed transitional housing facility in southeast Austin. Christmas day there saw a big splurge meal for more than 100 residents and some folks living in some nearby homeless camps. South Austin Rotary member Mickie Powers and two residents Billy and Dave helped serve food to the folks lined up outside in the courtyard. Adrian, the wonderful cook, smoked brisket and made all the trimmings before leaving to be with his family for the afternoon. |
Spreading Holiday Cheer to Local Kids We love spreading holiday cheer! South Austin Rotary elves were busy this week collecting toys to be donated to the Rivercity Youth Foundation. Happy Holidays everyone!
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Tamale Fundraiser Recap Thank you to everyone who participated, contributed and helped with our 2021 Tamale Fundraiser. It takes a village to raise money! We sold 284 cases (568 doz) tamales to over 130 customers! We had five sponsors. We also had several members who had customers that made donations. |
South Austin Supporting Local Kids Clubs members gathered at Todos Juntos Learning Center this past Saturday to continue our work for creating a safe outdoor learning space and play area at Todos Juntos Learning Center in South Austin. See the photos.
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Supporting the E-Club Mobile Food Drive Our members brought in food donations to the Oct. 20 meeting to help support the Rotary E-Club of Central Texas mobile food drive.
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It's Tamale Time in South Austin Tamale Season is here again, and The South Austin Rotary Club has a great way for you to get Tasty Tamales delivered straight to you or a loved one... and MAKE A DIFFERENCE at the same time! Delivery will be the weekend of December 4th and orders must be received by Monday, November 22nd. 2 dozen per CASE (of the same filling): $35 Choose between Ancho Chili Pork, Chicken Tomatillo, and Black Bean & Corn (vegan) All tamales are gluten-free Our Annual Fundraiser supports these projects:
…..and More Please consider making a purchase and know that not only are you getting great tamales ...but your purchase is supporting the many projects of The South Austin Rotary Club! Click to order |
Full House President Simon Garza presiding over the first in person regular Rotary meeting since the pandemic shut us down. We were back at the Red Robin with our attentive waiter Josh. Three potential visitors attended who had been with us at one of our in-person happy hours. We were particularly thrilled to see two of our members who have dealt with major medical issues this past year. |
District Conference & Multi - Event Bash Members of South Austin at the Conference of Clubs at the Kalahari Waterpark in Round Rock.
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Congratulations Mickie Powers! Congratulations to Mickie Powers for receiving the Rotary District 5870 Central Texas Roll of Fame award!!
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Good Deeds Go Farther Than Expected  South Austin Rotary is a supporter of the soup kitchen directed by Rotary member Mickie Powers. When that Kitchen gets donations that it cannot use, many other people can benefit. Recently excess bread, pastries, and vegetables helped the people at the State of Texas Homeless Camp on South Highway 183 a mile or so north of Highway 71. The food was sorted at the soup kitchen after which the excess was delivered by van to the camp where hundreds hundreds have pitched tents and makeshift structures on 5 acres of asphalt. Mickie says visiting this place always leaves her in disbelief that this place is in America.
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Provided Easter Meals for The Needy Message, from Mickie Powers, Director of South Austin Market Place Transitional Housing: " I want to thank you on behalf of the residents of South Austin Market Place Transitional Housing. You have generously supported our soup kitchen and today we had a marvelous Easter meal. Our menu included turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes stuffing, fruit salad, green bean casserole and an ice cream sundae. Your support of the kitchen on behalf of some of our most needy is truly in keeping with the Rotarian value of making a difference. In this picture, one of our residents, Paul Everson, is helping me serve. There are others further back in the kitchen who volunteered. The lineup of the people cannot be seen out the door and down the courtyard. We served about 90 people today."
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Service Project - Dignity Bags for the Homeless Club members met at Todos Juntos Learning Center to create dignity bags for the homeless. What a great way to the the year .. with service for others.
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Ramp Build Dedication Todos Juntos Learning Center honored our Club with a plaque on their new ramp. In fact, they named the ramp after our own Jim McComb who designed the ramp. WOO HOO!!
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New Member Orientation Breakfast For our first live get together since the Covid shut down, we planned an orientation for new members. Mickie Powers was given a plaque with gavel as the recent past president. Some of thr members attended through a zoom connection.
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Welcome New Member - Satch Nadir! |
Service Project at Todos Juntos  Saturday was a fantastic day for SERVICE. Club members were at Todos Juntos Learning Center building a much needed ramp, cleaning up the playground and more. Nothing makes us happier than when we can make a difference! Special thanks to Jim McComb for designing the ramp!!
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Welcome New Member Sage Sanderson! |
Roll Of Fame Honoree - Jim McComb Cheers out to Jim McComb for receiving the Rotary District 5870 Central Texas Roll of Fame Award!! This award is given for outstanding exemplification of the spirit of Rotary in their community, their club and Rotary International.
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Congratulations Linda & Monique!  Super proud of members Linda Voigt & Monique Hodges for their outstanding service in promoting the Rotary Fondation and it's goal of World Understanding and Peace!
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Surprise Car Parade for PDG Jim Henry |
South Austin Supports Frontline Heroes Volunteers got together at 5 AM, picked up the tacos, and proceeded to the two different police stations. The 6 o’clock-ish hour was decided upon because there is a shift change and that way the people coming off and the people coming on would both get to participate in the enjoyment of the food.
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South Austin Rotary Helps Soup Kitchen During Pandemic South Austin Rotary has been helping a soup kitchen in South East Austin at South Austin Market Place transitional housing facility that houses more than 170 people in a high risk environment. People live in single and double rooms there and share the bathroom and shower facilities making the potential for virus spread higher than average. The Rotary club as well as individual members have contributed not only financially to help purchase food but also have contributed plastic ware, cups and carry out styrofoam containers in which to distribute the dinners. These containers are very important since the residents are no longer allowed in the kitchen with their own plates to walk through a buffet type line. Their plate is pre-prepared and handed out the door to each person waiting in the line outside with 6 foot spacing for those waiting.
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Donations Needed for IE INC - Soup Kitchen |
Activate Your ServiceCome join us in making a difference! |
Meetings Cancelled
With everything going on and following the guidelines set forth, we have cancelled our weekly meetings for the month of March. Stay tuned for our the announcement of our next meeting!
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Wheelchair Ramp Project The Rotary Club of South Austin, Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest and friends with Texas Ramp project joined together to build a much needed wheelchair ramp this past weekend. We got it built in less than time estimated! Thanks to all who pitched in to help these folks!
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Todos Juntos Fundraiser The Todos Juntos fundraiser was Thursday night, February 6, at St. Davids Episcopal Church. At least 10 Rotarians from several different clubs, including ours, volunteered to help with their project. An immigrant mother spoke and told the group what the organization had done for her and her family in helping them to learn the English language, so they could integrate into our society better. In addition, we are planning to make helping with Todos Juntos’ new facility our DAP grant project for next Rotary year. |
South Austin Christmas Party Members of South Austin Christmas party played bingo after their wonderful Christmas meal. Member Heidi Wittenborn organized and ran the game. All of the selections on the bingo cards were words and phrases from grinch stories. This certainly challenged the older members of the group, many of whom had not read and did not have familiarity with grinch stories, phrases, and characters. The party was at the home of Landon and ‘Erica Garza’ and was a potluck style meal except for the wonderful pot roast provided by Erica and Landon. Immediately after dinner and before Bingo the group sang Christmas songs and we’re accompanied by member Brother Mueller on his portable keyboard. |
Literacy Support Activity.jpg) South Austin Rotary members helped students at Galindo elementary wrap books for Christmas gifts in their school library. The South Austin Club has been a long time supporter of the school’s library. Students chose two books from a great selection in both English and Spanish. The student was permitted to keep one book and have the other wrapped to give to a friend.
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Corporate Sponsor Donation.jpg) Jeff Christner, a South Austin Rotary Club member, presents a $1000 corporate Sponsor contribution from ABC Bank to Lisa Killough. Thank you ABC Bank!!
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Clothes Closet Project South Austin Rotary members met in November to refurbish A clothes closet for a south Austin nonprofit that serves low income and homeless folks, as well as many recently released from prison. This was a project financed by the DAP grant. The project included The purchase of new racks, size marking materials as well as other supplies. Members met To assemble the racks and sort the clothes, putting them in the proper places on racks so that they are more easily accessible to those using the closet.
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End Polio Now Fundraiser at BJ's South Austin Rotary and BJ’s Restaurant will be hosting an END Polio Now Fundraiser ALL DAY on Oct. 24th! Come eat at BJ’s anytime between 11:30am – 10pm and present the above flyer (hard copy or digital) and 20% of their food and soft beverage sales will be donated to Polio Plus! It’s that easy… take a flyer… order lots of food… eat lots of food… present the flyer when your pay… POLIO+ gets to keep doing amazing work in the world! Added plus - the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is matching all donations! |
It's Tamale Season in South AustinTamale Season is here again, and The South Austin Rotary Club has a great way for you to get the BEST Tamales in Texas... and MAKE A DIFFFERENCE at the same time! Each CASE contains 2 dozen DELIA’S Tamales of the same flavor and is packaged in an insulated sport pack. This packaging makes the perfect Christmas gift for family, friends, neighbors, or clients. They’re also ideal to serve at your office Christmas party or family gathering and we do have large order discounts available for orders over 10 Cases! Delivery will be the weekend of December 7-8th. 2 dozen per CASE (of the same filling): $35 Choose between Pork, Chicken, and Bean |
Thank you Rotary Club of South Austin!
Sharing a message we received "Thank you Rotary Club of South Austin for helping fund the soup kitchen by helping us not only with daily meals but also helping us put on this special Labor Day meal. Besides our residents in the transitional housing facility, we had numerous people who are homeless and living in the streets and under bridges nearby." Love it when we can make a difference! Mickie Powers, Non-profit Director |
Welcome Peter and Rachel! Welcome new members Peter Berardino (sponsored by Jenny Turney) and transferred member Rachel ElShamy!!
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Sponsorship of Arctic Scholar.jpg) Seyi (Oluwaseyi Odufuye) and her sister stopped in for us to wish Seyi well in her travels to the Artic on an environmental expedition with renowned explorer and environmentalist, Robert Swan. South Austin Rotary is one of the Austin area clubs supporting Seyi in this great adventure. We also presented her with a small South Austin Rotary banner, t-shirt and tamale lunch cooler, so we will travel with her at least in spirit and perhaps selfies!
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Congratulations to Us!
Our club is now 100% TRF Giving, 100% EREY Member, and 100% Sustaining Member. Only 15 other clubs in our district have earned all three distinction this year and, in an average Rotary year, only 4,000 of our 35,500 clubs world-wide do so. WOO HOO!! |
Conference of Clubs.JPG) |
Roll of Fame - Blair Williamson Congratulations to Blair Willaimson! He received the 2019 Roll of Fame award at the Rotary District 5870 Central Texas Conference of Clubs for his commitment and dedication to Service Above Self and Rotary.
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Welcome Omar Webb.jpg) Congratulations to our newest Red Badge member Omar Webb!! His sponsor, Linda Voigt, PROUDLY welcomed him to the club and presented him with his red badge during our meeting this week! Omar has grown up in our Club and participated in countless club activities, service projects, and was even one of our first #RYLA student years ago! |
Feb 23 - Community First Village Tree Planting.jpg) We celebrated Rotary Interantional's 114yr Anniversary with a day of service at the Community First Village planting trees (5 pecan and 15 mulberry) with the Bowie Interact Club. See the photos
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Check Donation To Galindo Elementary Check donation for over $1000 to Galindo Elementary School.
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Welcome Jenny Turney!.jpg) Jenny Turney was inducted at our Christmas Party.. WELCOME JENNY!!
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Christmas Party Such a fun and special Holiday Party tonight with our fellow club members and family! Not only did we have a blast in our “special Christmas sweaters” and our white elephant gift exchange... but District Governor Jerry Chapman also officially inducted our newest member!! Thank you to Allison and Steve Batlin for hosting such a perfect evening and to our President Lynne Lightsey for presiding over the evenings events.
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Spreading Holiday Cheer.jpg) Spreading the holiday cheer with donations of $500 each to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters and to Hope Home.
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Service Project - South Africa This is a sign outside Home Talja thanking South Austin and the other clubs in partnership for grant of $56,000 to buy new wheelchairs, beds, train staff, commercial walk in freezer, and community outreach for educating the rural areas for treatment and understanding of handicapped children. |
New Meeting Place Photo of our new location at Red Robin on Brodie Lane
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Time To Order Your TamalesTamale Season is here again, and The South Austin Rotary Club has a great way for you to get the BEST Tamales in Texas... and MAKE A DIFFFERENCE at the same time! Please consider making a purchase and know that not only are you getting the best tamales in Texas, but your purchase is supporting the many projects of The South Austin Rotary Club! Each CASE contains 2 dozen DELIA’S Tamales of the same flavor and is packaged in an insulated sport pack. This packaging makes the perfect Christmas gift for family, friends, neighbors, or clients. They’re also ideal to serve at your office Christmas party or family gathering and we do have large order discounts available for orders over 10 Cases! Delivery will be the weekend of December 8-9th. 2 dozen per CASE (of the same filling): $35 Choose between Pork, Chicken, and Bean Deadline to place your order is Monday, November 26th! |
Official Visit With DG Jerry Chapman  Great turnout for the visit with District Governor Jerry Chapman and District Govenor Elect, Jim Henry. Thank you to all that attend!
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Installation of Club Officers  |
Successful Rotary Year 2017-18 The Club Members of South Austin Rotary came together to celebrate an amazing year of service and as we do each year pass the torch of leadership to a new Board of Directors. For anyone who has ever wondered...."what does your club do?" here is a list of just the past 12 months: Projects & Activities
Served Breakfast at the RYLA In The Rough camp Hosted a #RotaryYouthExchange Student Hosted the Mandela Washington Fellows Planted 48 TREES at Community First Village Supported the EAFK at DawsonElementary Raised funds for Hurricane Relief in Rockport Hosted a Literacy Night at GalindoElementary Christmas Gift's for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas Built a new interactive playground at Todos Juntos Learning Center #Handbags4Hope bag collection Judged the Science Fair at Galindo Elementary Library Assisted Bowie Interact at the Central Texas Food Bank Awarded 4 Scholarships to Students from Akins High School AISD |
DG & Club Leader Installation at the Oasis |
Interact Club At Bowie Our service project at Central Bank Texas with Bowie Interact club was a success! Simon, Mickie and Lisa helped 8 Interactors (and others) load 2700 pounds of toiletry emergency kits . It was a great evening….the two hours went by way too fast.
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Dawson Elementary Supports Polio  The EAFK Service Club at Dawson Elementary presented this announcement today during the EAFK Knighting Ceremony! They raised $244.77 to End Polio Now! What an amazing group of young leaders! This program is sponsored by 2 local Rotary Clubs. Ours here in South Austin & Rotary Club of Austin downtown Austin!
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Celebration of Women Rotary Project The 2nd Annual Celebration of Women in Rotary for District 5870 Central Texas was a HUGE success!! In collaboration with Todos Juntos Learning Center and 11 different club's throughout the District we were able to paint 3 classrooms, install artificial turf, and build several interactive play stations for the kiddos! In total there were 12 different installations of stations and projects, but with the donations of clubs and the efforts of our volunteers we were able to complete all of them in 1 day! It was a very successful group effort and we appreciate ALL the time, treasures, and talents of everyone involved!
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Our 60th Anniversay |
Arbor Day Success Our Arbor Day on Saturday was fabulous!!! We had ten (well over half of our membership!) South Austin Rotarians participate in one form or fashion. Thank you---Jeff Christner, Jose Guerra, Blair Williamson, Allison Batlin, Erica Garza, Tom Rollert (Friday detail), Jim McComb, Steve Ross, Simon Garza…and Our District Gene Holiman joined us and dug some holes too! Jim Hanson with River City Landscaping and two of his crew also provided much help and planning assistance. Five of the Community First! Village residents assisted us as team leaders along with Heidi Sloan, the manager of Genesis Gardens at CF! We dug 48 holes for 48 trees, and wheel-barrowed compost and mulch to all 48 trees. Blair and Jose learned the fine art of pruning fruit trees, and they pruned 48 mature trees. The folks at Mobile Loaves and Fishes Community First! Village are so appreciative of our work. These trees will be sustaining---providing fruit for the residents and many of their animals-goats and chickens. We can’t wait to see them grow! There is still the irrigation part to complete. We will let you know when that will be scheduled. |
Arbor Day Celebration
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Flag Exchange With Rotary Bangalore Garden City One of our visitors on Jan 3rd was Mr. Srinivas Babu from Rotary Bangalore Garden City in Bengaluru, India who was visiting his daughter in South Austin. He brought a flag for exchange.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Holiday Party  The elves at South Austin were out in full force getting ready for the Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Holiday Party. We love nothing better than spreading the holiday cheer to these kids!
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Austin Bat Cruise - Multi Club Social The Bat Cruise was a wonderful event. There were 75 Rotarians and guests plus Dianne Odegard with Austin Bat Refuge set sail Monday evening. Dianne was the hit of the cruise with not only her talk about bats, but she brought ‘Frieda’ a Mexican Free Tail bat. Frieda was very well behaved particularly while she was eating her wormy dinner.  |
Dawsone Elementary EAFK Ceremony |
Great News from Huis Talje! The Huis Talje Children’s Home Grant has been completed. As one of the particpanting clubs, we share in the success of this grant and are truly “Making A Difference!” Click to read report. |
Visit with District Governor, Gene Holiman |
EarlyAct FirstKnight Ceremony August 25th The fabulous Tournament of Champions Jousting Event will be August 25 (Friday) at 9:00AM--- at Dawson Elementary, 3001 South First St. (just north of Ben White Blvd). |
Video From Evening with Mandela Fellowship For Young African Leaders |
Conference of Rotary Clubs We had a blast at the Carnival 2017 Conference of Rotary Clubs. What an amazing job Allison did as the event chair!
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Service Project - Community First Village |
EAKF Ceremony At Dawson Elementary School |
Global Grant 1639622 - Huis Talje - Bela Bela, Limpopo, South Africa  Proud to announce that our partner project for Global Grant 1639622 is on the Rotary Showcase! This grant will supply specialized wheelchairs and beds for mentally & physically disabled children in South Africa. To view, click here.
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EAKF Program at Dawson ElementaryWe are so proud to be a joint sponsor with the Rotary Club of Austin in supporting the EAFK program at Dawson Elementary School!
The EARLY ACT FIRST KNIGHT is an unprecedented CHARACTER building program for schoolchildren based on the heroes of chivalry from around the world and truly a lot of fun for the teachers, staff, kids, and us too! |
Literacy Night at Galindo Elementary School.jpg) Literacy Night at Galindo Elementary School. Each child that attended received a book, as part of our DAP Grant. We had a total of 650 books - any books left over will be passed out to the remaining children who were unable to attend.
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Dawson Elementary EAFK Ceremony  |
February Is.... |
Supporting The Mother Maryam Foundation Awad was presented a check for $600 to the Mother Maryam Foundation in order to purchase 100 mosquito nets for his village in Sudan.
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Tis The Season....  Our elves were out buying Christmas gifts for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Texas. Every year our club buys 6 carts full of toys for their annual Christmas Party and is definitely one of our favorite projects!
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It's Tamale Time  This year they will be packaged in an insulated sport pack and make the perfect Christmas gift for family, friends, neighbors, or clients. They’re also ideal to serve at your office Christmas party or family gathering and we do have large order discounts available as well!
Must order by November 28th! Please consider making a purchase and know that not only are you getting the best tamales in Texas, but your purchase is supporting the many projects of South Austin Rotary. Projects like local college scholarships, youth leadership camps and exchange, Galindo Elementary, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, water wells and school supplies in South Africa, mosquito nets in Sudan, and medical supplies in Mexico.  |
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DG Bruce Golden Visits Our Club!We had the pleasure of a visit by our District Governor Bruce Golden at our meeting today. He spoke of his goals for our district and some of the upcoming district events. We also had the opportunity to hear from his wife Sharon, who told us of her focus to help our local libraries.
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Old West Casino Night Festivities.JPG) Erica Garza and Landon Spillmann are ready for some Casino Night fun!
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Rotary's Vision For A Better World |
Help Support Elodie's Half Marathon Elodie Coronado is running a 5K in February to raise money for University High School that helps students in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. For more info you can check https://austinmarathon2015.everydayhero.com/us/uhs.
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NAMI check hand-off....($1025 matching from foundation) Pictured: Sean Williamson and Karen Ranus (Nami Austin)
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Visit with PDG.Prof.Dr. Narayan MishraWe look forward to do some projects jointly in my place which has been devastated by Super Cyclone "Phailin & Hud-Hud".
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Tamale Fundraiser
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Trick or Can Service Project a Success!
Our Trick or Can Service Project resulted in 2035 pounds of food for the Capital Area Food Bank |
Trick or Can Food Drive to Benefit Capital Area Food BankWe will be having our 4th Annual Trick or Can Food Drive to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. Volunteers will be dropping off bags on Sunday October 12th and then picking up food on Sunday October 19th. If you have interest in participating or donating food or money please call 512-516-4797. |
Tamale Fundraiser
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Nov. 6 - Club Assembly
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Club Assembly Aug 7
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Allison Batlin Winner of Hawaii Trip
Allison Batlin was the winner at the Conference of Rotary Clubs for the raffle of 2 tickets to the Hawaiian Islands. Way to go Allison & Steve! |
South Austin Officer Installation
You are invited to the South Austin Officer Installation - Wednesday, June 12 6pm at County Line on the Hill, 6500 Bee Cave Rd., Austin TX. Ticket prices are $15 - To purchase tickets contact Ruth Allison 512.415.8959 |
Interested In Becoming A Sponsor?
We have 8 different levels of sponsorship available for our 16th Annual Rotary Charity Golf Tournament. They are: Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Beverage and Hole. To register as a sponsor - Click here for online registration.
If you have selected to be a Diamond, Platinum, Gold or Silver Sponsor; You will need to Complete the Player Form to register your other players. Submit the form either by email/mail to lkillough@austin.rr.com / Lisa Killough, 2200 Cypress Point East, Austin, TX 78746. See Sponsorship package details.... |
Golfer InformationPlayer Entry Fee of $125 INCLUDES: Green fees and golf cart, Range balls, PLAYER GIFT bags and Dinner and Reception afterwards. Click the button below to Register online or to register by mail (complete form and submit payment to Lisa Killough)
ENTRY FEES DUE April 22, 2013 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Registration/Check In 11:00 – 12:30 pm Box Lunch…………………...12:00 pm Shotgun Tee-Off……….……. .1:30 pm Dinner and Awards……………6:00 pm Door Prize Raffle……….……..6:30 pm
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2012-2013 Service to Our Community and Our World Includes…· College Scholarships · Big Brothers Big Sisters
· Meals on Wheels
· Capitol Area Food Bank |
Tee-Up For Rotary
16th Annual Rotary Charitable Golf Tournament
Saturday April 27, 2013
Onion Creek Club
The South Austin Rotary Club and South Austin Rotary Foundation are proud to announce our 16th Tee-Up for Rotary Golf Tournament, to be held Saturday April 27th at Onion Creek Club located at Onion Creek Parkway, Austin, TX. Onion Creek Club has one of the most gently rolling fairways shaded by towering cypress, oak, and pecan trees that line the banks of Onion Creek. 100% of the net tournament proceeds go to College Scholarships and Local Community and International Humanitarian projects.
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South Austin Rotary Club Provide TV to Galindo Elementary School |
South Austin Rotary Club's New Meeting LocationThe South Austin Rotary Club has changed their meeting location from Canolli Joe's to Opal Divines (Pen Field) Restaurant beginning with the meeting scheduled for February 6th. The new venue is located at 3601 South Congress Avenue and is about 0.4 miles north of Ben White Blvd. The meetings will still begin at noon. |
South Austin Rotary Club's New Meeting LocationThe South Austin Rotary Club has changed their meeting location from Canolli Joe's to Opal Divines (Pen Field) Restaurant beginning with the meeting scheduled for February 6th. The new venue is located at 3601 South Congress Avenue and is about 0.4 miles north of Ben White Blvd. The meetings will still begin at noon. |
Rotary Club TreeA healthy Rotary club is much like a tree: Grown in soil of service, its roots are
made up of respect for all,
The trunk of the tree is communication, the
life line for a healthy club
The limbs of the tree sweep from the earth
to the heavens above, with buds of trust
and truth.
Finally, the tree's green leaves indicating
a healthy thriving club.
Yes, we may lose a few leaves as time
progresses, dropping as their colors change
with age,
Yet, new ones will take its place and
becoming a permanent part of the tree and
its system of growth.
As seasons come and go, we see a constant
change in our tree...
its shape and its growth,
still the basic aspects of our tree remain
firmly planted for generations to come. . . .
service, respect, communication, with trust
and truth bind us as one
You are our newest Ieaf... may you bud,
bloom and grow, creating an orchard of
service above self.
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KIPP Service ProjectCheck out the photo album for more photos..
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Galindo Elementary School Marquee |
Denim & Diamonds Foundation Gala Registration is Now Open
The Denim & Diamonds Foundation Gala & Fundraiser is set for Oct. 27. The registration for this event is now open. Tickets are priced at $70 per person - this price includes all food and beverages. This event will be held at the Schwertner Ranch & Event Center in Salado. Register Now.
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August 14 - Rotary Moment Tweet Day
The first-ever Rotary Moment Tweet Day is on 14 August. Tweet about your favorite Rotary memory or event, talk about our club’s activities, or share your community service project. Use hashtag #RotaryMoment.
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Rotary Minute - How Rotary Stays Revelant to Young Members |
Special Room Rate for Bi-District Reunion
Embassy Suites is giving us a Special Room Rate for the Bi-District Reunion! But you must act fast..this offer expires soon. Rates are single/double occupancy $114, 3 people $124 & 4 people $134 not including tax. Click here to go to hotel registration. Group event code: ROT
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Annual Rotary Foundation & Membership Seminar - August 11It’s time to sign up for our Annual Rotary Foundation and Membership Seminar that will be held on August 11th at the Lake Aire Medical Center located at 2423 Williams Drive in Georgetown. In addition to Foundation and Membership training there will be a three hour Future Vision Management (Grant Writing) Certification Training Session. The cost is only $15 and includes lunch. Please see the District website for more information and to register.
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Intro to Club Runner Site
I am thrilled to introduce our new club runner website to each of you! Please take 5-10 mins to access www.southaustinrotary.com and explore some of the new things we now have access to. Our web-site is a direct connection to club runner which is the program that takes each of our individual information and connects it as a club, it also takes all the individual clubs and connects them into a district and then all the districts in to Rotary International. This is a very powerful integration that puts all of our information into one place. |
Bi-District Reunion Registration Is Now Open
Registration for the Bi-District Reunion is now open! This event is Sept. 14-15 in San Marco at the Embassy Suites & Conference Center. Rotary Clubs coming together in Fun & Fellowship, Rewarding Work, Community and International Projects. Register before Sept. 1 and take advantage of discounted pricing. Click here to REGISTER.
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Rotary Acknowledged By US Senate
The US Senate has issued a Resolution (S.RES 473) Commending Rotary International and others for their effort to prevent and eradicate Polio. This is quite significant and should make every Rotarian and Friend of Rotary very proud. This only prove that great things can happen when we all come together for a common cause. We’re very close and getting closer each and every day. Go to the downloads folder on the District website to read Senate Res 473 & the latest Polio Eradication update. “They,” said it couldn’t be done and we’ve already done far more than every expected.
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Rotarian of the Year
Linda Voigt won the Rotary of the Year Award. She was presented her award at the induction ceremony on June 27.
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June 28th - Installation Dinner
The Installation Dinner will be on Thursday June 28th starting at 6:00pm at the Tres Amigos at Slaughter and Manachaca. Please RSVP to the Evite. The price is $11 per member ($1 goes to EREY), $10 per adult guest, and $8 for children under 18. (Please note that the $1 contribution to EREY is voluntary.)
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Quote of the Week - Who Said It?
We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.
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Thought for the Week - Who Said It?
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!
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Ending Polio - 2012 Progress
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Ending Polio is Getting Closer
There have been 96 polio cases reported this year compared to 274 cases at this time last year. We are getting closer!
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